Working Together
It is important that parents provide as much information as
possible about their child. It is also important
that you keep the parents informed.
It is essential that the parents give you an address and phone
number where they can be contacted at all times, you will also need
to give this to us.
The parents should give you items which may help their child
settle in a new home. These may be photographs
of home and family, toys or other special items.
Ask about any routines the child may have had at home, these
will help them to settle and feel more secure in their new
home
The Placement Agreement
An agreement should be drawn up between carers and parents
giving details of the arrangements and making it clear who is
responsible for what. Your social worker can
offer advice on this.
How does the child feel?
When children are separated from their parents and
carers, they will experience a number of different
feelings. These may include loss, confusion,
anger and sadness.
You will need to be sensitive and considerate until the child
settles into their home. They may display
unusual behaviour like bedwetting, temper tantrums or
withdrawal. If you find the child's behaviour
difficult to cope with, talk to the child's parents, social worker,
GP or health visitor.
The parents should try to visit your home with their child
several times before the placement is made to help the child to
settle. Children should be encouraged to have
regular visits with their parents and contact by phone and letter
so that they do not feel unwanted or abandoned.
Keeping in Touch
Visiting arrangements should be clear to private foster
carers, parents and the child before the placement
begins. Everyone must be committed to keeping
these arrangements.
It is important that you and the child stay in touch with
their parents throughout the placement. This is
so they are aware of their child's day to day routine, progress and
so you can discuss any decision with them.
At the end of the placement, spend some time planning for the
child's return home so that everybody can adjust to the idea of the
child moving.
Making the Placement Work
It is important that you work together with the child's
parents and social worker to make sure that the placement is as
successful as possible for the child.
It is helpful to have a clear agreement before the
placement. We encourage the use of the agreement
form, which we provide. This will ensure that
everybody is clear about how long the child will be fostered, what
the financial arrangements will be, when and how often visiting
will take place.